Health department initiates preventive measures after boy dies in Malappuram due to possible Shigella infection

MALAPPURAM: The health department has started preventive measures on suspicion that Shigella was the cause of death of a seven-year-old boy in Puthanathani in Malappuram. The preventive measure was strengthened under the Rapid Response Team of the Department of Health. The health department has urged the people to be vigilant.

A seven-year-old boy died at a private hospital in Kozhikode on Friday. The boy was admitted to the hospital due to diarrhea.

Shigella bacterial infection is the leading cause of diarrhea. The disease mostly affects children. It is transmitted from one person to another through contaminated water, stale and contaminated food.

The disease mainly affects the intestines. Therefore, blood is found along with the stool. Infected children under the age of five are at higher risk of death if symptoms of Shigella become severe.